WILL-O'-THE-WISP Definition & Meaning

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will-o'-the-wisp

[ wil-uh-thuh-wisp ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

will-o'-the-wisp

/ ˌ��ɪ��əðəˈ��ɪ�� /

Also calledfriar's lanternignis fatuusjack-o'-lantern a pale flame or phosphorescence sometimes seen over marshy ground at night. It is believed to be due to the spontaneous combustion of methane or other hydrocarbons originating from decomposing organic matter
a person or thing that is elusive or allures and misleads

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�ɾ��o&#��27;-�ٳ��-�ɾ��i�� especially British, �ɾ��o&#��27;-�ٳ��-�ɾ��y adjective

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1600–10; originally Will (i.e., William) with the wisp; wisp

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C17: originally Will with the wisp, from Will short for William and wisp in former sense of a twist of hay or straw burning as a torch

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Examples have not been reviewed.

More myths would have surrounded the eerie blue glow of will-o'-the-wisp – methane from peat beds burning over the top of the marshes.

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But the little light version slipped through her fingers like a will-o'-the-wisp.

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The independence referendum is the will-o'-the-wisp of the Scottish election campaign.

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The lively, self-aware musical has such a will-o'-the-wisp quality that you fear it will disappear if you attempt to fence it in.

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Chasing will-o'-the-wisp planners, judges and environmental activists is mere skirmishing.

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